Busy weeknights call for effortless, satisfying meals, and that’s where your slow cooker truly shines. Imagine coming home to a warm, fragrant dinner that practically made itself! This tender, flavorful beef crockpot recipe for Beef & Broccoli brings delicious takeout vibes right into your kitchen. Get ready for an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Crockpot Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this ultimate easy dinner. This beef crockpot recipe is a game-changer for busy households looking for big flavor with minimal fuss.
The science behind slow cooking demonstrates how tough cuts of meat transform into incredibly tender dishes as collagen breaks down into gelatin over time. science of slow cooking
- Effortless & Hands-Off: Simply add ingredients and let your slow cooker do all the work.
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process guarantees incredibly fork-tender beef every time.
- Savory Sauce: A rich, balanced sauce coats the beef and broccoli perfectly.
- Healthier Takeout: Enjoy classic flavors without the extra oil or preservatives.
- Family-Friendly & Versatile: Easy to adjust for picky eaters or to customize with extra veggies.
Ingredients
You’re just a few simple ingredients away from the best beef crockpot recipe! Gather these items to create a delicious and satisfying meal for your family. This recipe uses everyday staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 c. low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 3 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. sriracha (optional, adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch
For Serving:
- 2 c. 1″-long broccoli florets
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with these amazing beef slow cooker dishes! Tailor this recipe to your pantry or dietary needs.
- Beef Cuts: Sirloin is lean and tender, but flank steak, chuck roast (cut into 1-inch pieces), or even stew beef also work wonderfully. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness. If using regular, you might want to reduce the amount slightly. Tamari makes this recipe gluten-free.
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a slightly different, equally delicious, sweetness.
- Spice: For more heat, add extra Sriracha, a pinch of chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes.
- Thickener: If using all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch, use 4 tablespoons for the same thickening power. Whisk it with a few tablespoons of cold water before adding to the hot sauce.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for texture, but frozen can work. Add frozen florets directly to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking; they may need a few extra minutes.
- Other Veggies: Feel free to stir in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
Equipment
Making this beef crockpot recipe requires minimal kitchen tools. You likely have most of these on hand already!
- 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this incredibly simple beef crockpot recipe is a breeze. Follow these steps for a delicious, family-friendly meal. The slow cooker truly does most of the heavy lifting for you!
- Prepare Beef & Sauce: Thinly slice your sirloin steak against the grain into bite-sized pieces. This helps the beef become incredibly tender during cooking. Add the sliced beef directly to your 6-quart slow cooker. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha (if using), minced garlic, and thinly sliced green onions. Reserve a small portion of the green onions for garnish later. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Pour this savory sauce mixture evenly over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring all the beef is coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 3.5 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s ready. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Thicken Sauce: Once the beef is tender, carefully scoop a few tablespoons of the hot broth from the slow cooker into a small, separate bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to this hot broth. Whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no clumps remain, forming a smooth slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry back into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. The sauce will begin to thicken as it continues to cook.
- Add Broccoli: Now, gently stir in the fresh 1-inch broccoli florets into the slow cooker with the beef and thickened sauce. Replace the lid. Continue to cook on the LOW setting for an additional 20-30 minutes. The broccoli should become tender-crisp and vibrant green. Adjust this cooking time based on your preferred broccoli tenderness; some prefer it softer, others firmer.
- Serve: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, your slow cooker beef is ready to enjoy. Portion the delicious beef and broccoli mixture generously over hot, fluffy jasmine rice. For a final flourish, garnish with the reserved fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and savor this homemade takeout-style meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your slow cooker beef dish is easy with these helpful hints. Get perfect results every time with minimal effort.
- Tender Beef: Always slice your beef thinly and against the grain for the most tender results. Don’t overcook, as this can make even slow-cooked beef tough.
- Perfectly Thick Sauce: Ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it. Stir it in thoroughly and allow 15-20 minutes for the sauce to fully thicken after re-covering.
- Broccoli Doneness: Add broccoli during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. This prevents it from becoming mushy and keeps its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the sliced beef in half of the sauce mixture for 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge before adding to the slow cooker.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce after thickening. If you prefer it sweeter or less sweet, adjust the amount of brown sugar or a pinch of salt accordingly.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile crockpot beef meal is perfect for various occasions. It’s fantastic for leftovers and adaptable to your taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it classic style over fluffy jasmine rice or healthier brown rice.
- For a noodle dish, serve over cooked ramen, lo mein noodles, or egg noodles.
- Add a side of steamed edamame, snap peas, or a simple green salad for extra veggies.
Storage:
- Store any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions:
- Allow the cooked beef and broccoli to cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations:
- Spicy: Amp up the heat with extra Sriracha, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a bit of chili oil.
- Ginger-Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for an aromatic boost.
- Mushrooms/Other Veggies: Incorporate sliced cremini mushrooms, julienned carrots, or colorful bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
- Chicken/Pork: Easily adapt this recipe by substituting the beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Nutrition
This satisfying beef slow cooker recipe offers a wholesome, balanced meal. It provides lean protein from the sirloin steak and essential vitamins and fiber from the broccoli. Enjoy a delicious dish without excessive unhealthy fats often found in takeout. Consult your preferred recipe card or nutrition tracker for precise calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and protein counts per serving, as these can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
For those focusing on a balanced diet, understanding the USDA’s guidelines for what constitutes lean and extra-lean beef can help in making informed choices for healthy meals. USDA’s guidelines for lean and extra-lean beef
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380-420 |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-7g |
| Cholesterol | 60-80mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
| Sugars | 20-25g |
| Protein | 25-30g |
FAQ
Got questions about making the best beef crockpot recipes? Here are answers to common queries to help you out.
- How do I get my sauce thicker? Ensure your cornstarch slurry is clump-free and add it back to the hot sauce, stirring well. Give it 15-20 minutes to thicken once returned to the heat.
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can! Add frozen broccoli florets directly to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, adjusting the time for your desired tenderness.
- What other cuts of beef work best? Besides sirloin, flank steak, chuck roast, or even stew beef are excellent choices for this slow cooker preparation. Always slice against the grain.
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead? Absolutely! You can adapt this for an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for 15-20 minutes with a natural release, then thickening and adding broccoli.
- Is this recipe spicy? The 1 tablespoon of Sriracha gives it a mild kick. You can omit it for no spice or increase it for more heat.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? You can slice the beef and whisk the sauce ingredients together the night before. Store them separately in the fridge and combine in the slow cooker in the morning.
- How long does beef need to cook in a crockpot? For tender, thinly sliced beef like sirloin, 3.5 to 4 hours on low is perfect. Larger cuts may require 6-8 hours on low.
Conclusion
This simple beef crockpot recipe for Beef & Broccoli truly delivers on flavor and convenience. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering tender beef in a rich, savory sauce with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, it brings the joy of a homemade meal with minimal fuss. Give this delicious slow cooker dish a try, and share your experience with us! We bet it will become a new family favorite.